We talked to three biologists about how and when to plan a trip to see peak fall color in North Carolina, their favorite hikes and overlooks, and why our mountains are one of the best places in the country to see stunning autumn leaves.
trees
Our State Knows Best: Christmas Trees
Find out what three experts have to say about picking the perfect Christmas tree, the magic of creating a holiday tradition, and why a North Carolina-grown tree will always beat the one in the box.
The Maple Brothers
Every year, Tim and Matt Nichols create hundreds of different kinds of Japanese maples — in a dizzying array of shapes and colors and sizes — at their mail-order nursery in East Flat Rock. And every one of the trees has roots in their grandmother’s garden.
From Elizabeth Hudson: Family Trees
Our editor in chief reminisces about the magnolias, walnuts, and oaks of her childhood, and the beauty they create every autumn.
The Wisdom of Trees
Forestry didn’t exist in America until two men — each with his own vision for how to protect our woodlands — arrived in western North Carolina and nurtured the profession into being.
Ramblin’ Man: Leaving a Mark
Deep in a forgotten forest within sight of a nameless ridge, a beech tree wears a set of initials, evidence of a moment shared between a father and a son.
Photo Essay: Giants of the Forest
A survey of the state’s old-growth forests from the mountains to the sea provides a glimpse into our presettlement — and primeval — past.
Making the Cut: North Carolina Christmas Trees
Fraser firs may be the big tree on campus at lots across the state, but on Down East cut-your-own farms, cedar, cypress, and pine are the trees that growers vote most likely to succeed.
Oh, (State) Christmas Tree!
A Fraser fir, always and only. Folks who’d stoop to taking home something like a Scotch pine? Amateurs.
